Joshua Simes and Sheraden Nicholau, 2015 LPA Fellows. Photo by Palo Alto Pulse
If you are wondering where the next generation of Palo Alto leaders will come from, look no further than the 2015 Leadership Palo Alto (LPA) class. From Palantir engineers to the principal of Gunn High School, to the Palo Alto Fire Marshal and a partner at Morrison Foerster, LPA 2015-16 represents a remarkably diverse set of voices, expertise and backgrounds.
A competitive application process reflects broad interest in Palo Alto civic life
Palo Alto Camber of Commerce CEO Judy Kleinberg, Chamber board Vice Chair Jeffrey Phillips and LPA Executive Director Dawn Billman. Photo by Palo Alto Pulse
The diversity of this group is the result of careful selection by LPA executive director Dawn Billman and the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce to find a wide range of people who are committed to taking on leadership roles in Palo Alto. “We received a lot of strong applicants for this year’s class,” Ms. Billman said. “I am so excited to see the contributions to our community that will result from the 28 individuals who are participating in the 2015 LPA cohort.”
10- month program explores all facets of Palo Alto
Leadership Palo Alto is a 10 month fellowship that immerses participants in a deep exploration of the “full spectrum of Palo Alto life, including local economic, social and government challenges, opportunities and trends.” LPA Fellows meet in a new location each month and spend a full day exploring a different facet of Palo Alto, such as City Hall, Stanford, Palo Alto Unified School District, the Palo Alto Art Center, downtown businesses, and more.
The program also includes leadership skills development, including communication, authentic engagement and public speaking. At the end of LPA in June, each Fellow will make a presentation to the group about how he or she will apply what they have learned and engage in civic life in Palo Alto.
LPA alumni are making a difference in the community
LPA, which is sponsored by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, has a long history in Palo Alto. Many of the city’s most prominent leaders are alumni of the program, including current Mayor Karen Holman. Other LPA alumni include Palantir community ambassador and Public Art Commissioner Mila Zelkha and Rob de Geus, Directory of Community Services for City of Palo Alto.
2015 LPA kick off provides opportunity for inspiration and mingling
The 2015 LPA class kicked off its year-long program with a gathering at the Pacific Art League recently, where they had a chance to mingle, get to know each other and hear from Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce CEO Judy Kleinberg (another LPA alumna).
Two LPA fellows get to know each other at program’s fall kickoff. Photo by Palo Alto Pulse.
“You are about to embark on one of the most extraordinary experiences you will ever have,” Ms. Kleinberg said. “Leadership Palo Alto has been around for a while, and this is a great incarnation with an incredible group.”
LPA fellow James Henrikson is the Palo Alto Fire Marshal
